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ARMONK, N.Y. -- Armonk's Marian Hamilton recently won the Quality of Life Award for her work with the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center.

The award presented by the United Way of Westchester and Putnam. Named after her husband who succumbed to lung cancer in 2004, Hamilton founded the center to provide an oasis where those in support roles could be empowered to take care of their own needs and find counseling and relief from the stressful journey of caregiving, according to a press release.

"At Northern Westchester Hospital, there is no better place for families and friends overwhelmed by their loved ones’ medical needs than the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center," representatives said in the release.

In her quest to provide the sanctuary, Hamilton raised nearly $1,000,000 in support of her vision, according to the release. The center has supported more than 7,000 caregivers since 2007.

"Hamilton volunteers weekly and continues to be a driving force for the organization, raising funds and offering enthusiasm and new ideas to support family caregivers at the center," representatives said. "She believes that all hospitals should have a dedicated support program and a place of respite, and advocates for similar centers in other facilities. In addition, she initiated a Caregivers Center Consortium, a bi-annual conference dedicated to sharing best practices and education on current caregiving issues as well as support."